The Surge with Boma Lilian Braide on The Southerner Newspaper

Monday, November 3, 2025

In the bustling corridors of Nigeria’s democracy, a quiet crisis brews, one that threatens the very foundation of our republic. It is the systematic exclusion of Nigerian youth from meaningful political participation. Despite constituting over 60% of the population, young Nigerians remain sidelined in governance, policy-making, and leadership. This is not merely a demographic oversight, it is a democratic emergency.

As I try to explore the challenges facing Nigerian youths in politics, a crucial question comes to mind, how can we harness the energy and creativity of our youths to build a more meaningful inclusion/empowerment and not just tokenistic gestures or approach?

I realized that, the obstacles to youth participation in Nigerian politics are multifaceted.

Contrary to popular belief, the real reason youth disengage isn’t just apathy because Nigerian youths are passionate, vocal, and politically aware. The real issue lies in the absence of a structured, merit-based reward system. For many youths in Nigeria, political engagement often feels transactional and seasonal; mobilise during elections, then disappear into post-election silence.

There’s no pathway, no recognition, no continuity. In a system where loyalty trumps competence, young people are left disillusioned. And this is the problem that needs to be addressed.

Another reason is economic barrier and the price of participation. The cost of entry into Nigerian politics is prohibitively high. Nomination forms alone can cost tens of millions of naira. APC’s presidential form at ₦100 million, PDP’s at ₦40 million, ADC’s at ₦25 million. These figures are not just exclusionary; they incentivise corruption and entrench godfatherism. For most young Nigerians, the political arena is financially inaccessible, reinforcing a cycle of elite dominance.

Cultural bias and generational gatekeeping is another major barrier. Traditional norms further compound the problem. Nigerian society often equates leadership with age, dismissing youth as inexperienced. This cultural bias stifles innovation and perpetuates generational exclusion. The result? A governance structure that recycles outdated ideas while sidelining fresh perspectives.

Another barrier is Mentorship. Young aspirants often enter politics without guidance, navigating a complex terrain alone. The absence of mentorship programs leaves them vulnerable to manipulation or burnout. Instead of overbearing godfathers, Nigeria needs elder statesmen who mentor, empower, and equip youth for leadership. Initiatives like the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), founded by Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, offers a promising model, but we need more of such initiatives.

The exclusion of Nigerian youths from politics has far reaching consequences. When young people are denied opportunities to participate in decision-making, politics becomes a revolving door of the same old faces, ideas, and failures. This disconnect between government policies and the realities of young Nigerians grows wider, fueling frustration, protests, and emigration.

Despite these systemic barriers, Nigerian youths have demonstrated their capacity for transformative change. The #EndSARS protests were a watershed moment, an organic, decentralised movement that fused civic activism with digital mobilisation. Organizations like The Surge Network, Yiaga Africa, and CODE continue to bridge the gap between citizens and government, proving that youth engagement is not only possible but powerful.

The “Not Too Young To Run” legislation was a step forward, but tokenism must give way to structural reform. Over 6.2 million young Nigerians participated in online voter pre-registration, a clear signal of their readiness to shape the nation’s future.

To address these challenges, to move from rhetoric to reality, Nigeria must build a framework for youth inclusion by adopting a multifaceted strategy. This framework should include;

• Policy Reform: Cap nomination fees and enforce transparent campaign financing laws.

• Digital Engagement: Use online platforms for policy consultations and participatory governance.

• Civic Education: Integrate civic studies into school curricula and promote youth entrepreneurship.

• Mentorship Programs: Establish fellowships and training academies to groom young leaders.

• Youth Quotas: Mandate youth representation in political parties and public institutions.

• Recognition Culture: Celebrate youth contributions through honors, grants, and visibility in national projects.

• Accountability Loop: Publish quarterly youth inclusion reports from each state to track progress.

A Political Leadership Academy could serve as a pipeline for preparing young talent in governance and public policy. Public office holders should issue open calls for youth aide positions, using a merit-loyalty matrix to ensure fairness. Competitive grants and innovation funding should be tied to developmental agendas, not patronage.

A Call to Action

To the government, the time for performative inclusion is over. We need a system that rewards competence, not connections. A system that empowers, not exploits.

To the youths, are we going to seize this moment, or let it slip away? The answer lies in our collective hands. Remember, the moment is ours to seize. Let us demand more; more transparency, more opportunity, more respect. Let us organize, strategise, and mobilise not just for protest, but for power. I know we’ve been trying, but let’s not relent on the journey. The journey remains forward!

Together, let’s know Nigeria’s future depends on its youth, not as foot soldiers, but as architects of change. We can create a brighter future for Nigeria. A future where every young person can participate in politics, contribute to decision-making, and shape the direction of the country. The future of Nigeria depends on it. Let’s work together to build a system that empowers young people, promotes inclusivity, and rewards merit.